Andreas Mikkelsen returns to Hyundai alternating with Dani Sordo

There will ultimately be three drivers sharing the wheel of the 3^e Hyundai which will be aligned next year with those of Thierry Neuville et Ott Tänak. If the name of Esapekka Lappi was already known, the Finn will not have one, but two teammates!

Dani and Andreas complete our 2024 WRC driver line-up! 💪

Read in full here: https://t.co/yxHvfE2fMW#HMSGOfficial #WRC pic.twitter.com/A88HC3Uwkm

— Hyundai Motorsport (@HMSGOfficial) December 6, 2023

ALSO READ > Esapekka Lappi with a partial program in 2024

Loyalty being an important thing in Hyundai, the manufacturer has decided to continue to trust Dani Sordo. Eager for his part to continue his career a little longer, without increasing the number of rounds, the Spaniard will benefit from a mini program. “ I am very happy to stay with Hyundai Motorsport for another season to help the team achieve its goals for 2024, did he declare. The rallies we are going to compete in suit my way of driving, which gives me confidence to score points for Hyundai and add more titles to those of 2019 and 2020. »

Following the pattern of recent years, the Torrelavega driver, who will be 41 next May, should be present in Portugal, Sardinia and the Acropolis. Knowing that Esapekka Lappi will be competing in events with fast profiles (Sweden, Latvia, Poland, Finland, etc.), someone was missing for the asphalt events. It will be Andreas Mikkelsen.

This time, it's certain, the Norwegian returns to a team where he already played 4 years ago. For Andreas, it's revenge since he was close to signing for the Korean manufacturer last year. His hopes were dashed in an inelegant way, the brand having decided not to warn him when choosing to recruit Esapekka Lappi… “I am very excited to return to the top category of rally with Hyundai Motorsporthe was happy. Since 2019, we have fought to be at the highest level of the sport again and I am very happy to do so at Hyundai. We have a great opportunity in front of us and we are going to grab it with both hands to make the most of it. »

Titled in WRC2 this season, the Oslo driver, who will be 35 next year, should be lined up for asphalt events. It would therefore be logical to see him appear in the Monte-Carlo entry list. Its WRC2 expertise will also be used to advance the i20 Rally2.

With a line-up with such WRC experience, Hyundai seems well equipped to win all the titles at stake. “We are delighted to confirm the final elements of our squad, Explain Cyril Abiteboul. Dani has a lot brought to the team over the last ten years and we are therefore very happy that he will continue with us next season. We are also delighted to have Andreas return to our team, as he brings with him proven success and a wealth of experience that we can benefit from in both WRC and Rally2. With their slightly different specialties and vast experience, the combination of Esapekka, Dani and Andreas will give us the opportunity to present the best possible team in each event to fight alongside Thierry and Ott. »